Alleged N6b fraud: Group wants Ladoja,’s trial expedited

An interest group, the Oyo Development Initiative (ODI), has urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to expedite the trial of former Governor Rashidi Ladoja for allegedly stealing N6 billion shares.

It said the money was enough to build two flyovers.

In a statement by its Coordinator, Dr. Adesola Okanlawon, ODI said Ladoja’s criticisms of Governor Abiola Ajimobi on the construction of the Mokola flyover in Ibadan, the state capital, smacks of “destructive politics”.

It said: “We want to remind Ladoja that if he had committed the N6 billion realised from the sale of Oyo State shares to the construction of flyovers, he would have built, at least, two, the size of the Mokola bridge.

“If he had done that, flyover construction would have been the least of Ajimobi’s concern. Ajimobi would have probably channelled the money spent on the Mokola flyover to other projects yearning for attention.”

ODI advised Ladoja to stop “attacking” Ajimobi, noting that the former governor had a chance to improve the state.

It said: “We have noticed in recent times that anywhere Ladoja finds himself, both within and outside Oyo State, he revels in launching verbal diatribes on Ajimobi. We advise him to concentrate his energy on freeing himself of the N6 billion fraud charges hanging on his neck.

“Ladoja had all the opportunity in the world to make an indelible mark in the state, but failed woefully. He is now portraying himself as the self-appointed defender of the same people, who suffered neglect as well as emotional and psychological instability during his tenure.

“His recent activities portray him as a willing tool in the hands of the enemies of Oyo people, who are desirous of plunging the state into confusion and thwarting the developmental efforts of the Ajimobi administration. We urge the people to be wary of the antics of the former governor.”